Following yesterday's unveiling of their high-end audio products headed to CES 2012, Samsung have now given a glimpse of their PC peripheral range, showing off both a new 27-inch Series 9 monitor and Series 7 Smart Station.

Featuring the same "paper-curve" design as previous models in the range, the Series 9 monitor will run at 2560 x 1440 (quad-HD) on a Plane Line Switching panel (PLS). An edge-to-edge display using anti-glare glass, it sits on an adjustable aluminium stand that also houses USB, DisplayPort, dual-link DVI, and HDMI connectors.

A 7 watt speaker is also built in, alongside Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) connectivity for compatible smartphone devices.

"Interest in user-generated content and a premium computing experience is growing as consumers are demanding products that allow them to better view, edit and share their photos, videos and entertainment content," said Samsung UK's Neil Sawyer.

"The new Series 9 monitor, with Samsung's exclusive Natural Colour Expert technology, answers the need for higher resolution and meticulous detail editing, regardless of the job," added Sawyer.

"Its unique minimalist design draws users in for truly immersive computing and delivers Samsung's signature best-in-class viewing experience."

No UK pricing yet, but expect to pay $1,199.99 for the privilege of owning the display when it launches in the US in March.

Moving on to the Series 7 Smart Station, it's of a similar ilk to Samsung's Central Station product line. An all-in-one Wireless USB monitor with hub, it runs at full-HD 1080p resolution with a LED backlighting and a HDMI port.

Integrated speakers are joined in the new HDTV monitor by dual HDMI inputs for video sources like Blu-ray players, as well as a built-in TV tuner, WiDi and VGA port.

The Smart Station and HDTV monitor have prices starting at $549 and $599 respectively, with 27 and 24-inch models to be available. They too will be out in March.

AOCs 16 inch monitor doesn't look all that impressive at first glance.

A dimunitive TFT screen running at 1366x768 resolution, it doesn't boast the viewing angles of an IPS display, nor the high resolutions.

It's strong USP however is that fact that it is both powered by and receives video signals from a USB port alone.

Portable at just 2.3lbs, you wont need to lug an extra power supply around with you, nor VGA/HDMI cables, with AOC promising that the power draw won't totally batter your laptop battery instantaneously.

With a fold away, swivelling kick-stand, it's also reasonably affordable at just $139.

It's a smart idea, showing just how energy efficient modern flat panels can be tuned to be. That said though, we're not wholly convinced there's a space in the market for the device. Plenty of smaller netbooks already have resolutions as high as 1366x768, so there's little benefit over the actual display size in that regards.

Perhaps as a secondary display for a tablet packing a full size USB? Or, if in the unlikely case it's compatible, as a portable display for a Xbox 360 or PS3 console? Scroll down for the full specs:

+ Panel Type: LED
+ Widescreen 16:09
+ Screen Size: 15.6"w
+ Viewable Image Size: 395 mm
+ Brightness (typical): 250cd
+ Contrast ratio (typical): 50,000,000:1
+ Response Time: 5ms
+ Max. Resolution: 1366x768 @60Hz
+ Input Signal: 1 USB
+ HDCP Compatible: No
+ Special Features: USB Powered

Via: Engadget

All the major display manufacturers are clamouring away to be the first to produce a convincing glasses-free 3D display, but the only company showing any real innovation in the area at this year's IFA conference was LG.

They were showing off the LG D2500N glasses-free 3D monitor. A full-HD display, it managed well to give the impression of 3D space from the flatscreen, with little flicker and only marginal blurring on the 25-inch screen.

It manages this by popping a head-tracking webcam in the top of the monitor's bezel, which then tells the display to adjust the 3D image to better suit your positioning.

It worked great, and more exciting is the fact that LG are planning big screen TV versions, capable of tracking multiple people at once, in the near future.

Hit the video above for more info.

Name: ViewSonic V3D245

Type: 3D monitor with built-in Nvidia 3D Vision

Specs: Click here for full specs

Price: $599 (£368) from Amazon

Like it or loathe it, it seems 3D is here to stay, be that on your living room TV, your local cinema screen or even in your pocket on a mobile device. 3D's near-imminent ubiquity even extends to the office, with 3D an increasingly common feature of the latest PC monitors. Just like all other 3D gadgets though, 3D monitors can be a pain to set up with multiple compatible devices needed, as well as needing a fair amount of cash to being with. ViewSonic's latest offering, theV3D245, aims at both affordability and ease of use with it's built in Nvidia 3D Vision transmitter and accompanying glasses. But is it any good? Read on to find out.

Though we're not fans of a glossy, fingerprint-harbouring chassis when it comes to monitors (especially ones that use touch-sensitive controls) the ViewSonic V3D245 doesn't look half bad, with its angular base and row of touch buttons on the monitor's lower left side. A 24-inch monitor, you're getting roughly a 23.6" visible screen. Set up is a breeze thanks to the refreshingly simple slide-in base, locking with an underside key. However, those looking for manoeuvrability beyond a little tilt will be disappointed. The screen is wall mountable though, which is still a rare feature for what, despite its bells and whistles, remains essentially a PC monitor.

Regardless of its 3D smarts, the screen stays relatively slim at 2.2" thick (not including the stand), thanks to its exterior brick battery. Input connections are solid; you get DVI (Dual Link), VGA, Audio In and Audio Out ports, as well as a single HDMI 1.4a port. We'd have liked an extra HDMI port, which would have been particularly handy for those looking to hook up a games console or two to the display as well as a PC. The monitor also has 2-watt stereo speakers built in, which of course don't offer too much bassy grunt, but are perfectly serviceable thanks to SRS Premium Sound tech.

While ViewSonic's OSD is clear and self explanatory (if visually basic), using the touch buttons to tweak settings is a chore. They'd sometimes fail to register our fingers, and though we're all for slick clean lines in design, here's one case where we'd rather had physical buttons to push.

Maxing out at a Full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080), the V3D245 is a solid performer with 2D imagery, with crisp text and graphics throughout. Though the claimed 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio is ridiculously ambitious, that's not to say that black levels are in any way poor. Blacks are inky and detailed, with the LED backlight evenly distributing light. Colours were bold too, but erred a little on the saturated side without a bit of tweaking. Viewing angles horizontally are perfectly reasonable, though dim noticeably long before the 170º angle ViewSonic claim. Vertical viewing angles are less effective, though this is unlikely to cause much concern in the majority of usage scenarios.

Billed in many ways as a gaming screen, pro Call of Duty fans will have the words "120Hz refresh rate" and "2ms response time" ring out like music to their ears. Movement is smooth and free of flicker and tearing, which is great for those long frag matches, and has obvious benefits for the V3D245's headline feature, 3D content.

And, thankfully, ViewSonic's 3D here delivers in spades. After a clumsy start with wired 3D glasses on their previous V3D241wm model, ViewSonic have made the sensible move of partnering with Nvidia and popping its 3D Vision tech right into the monitor itself.

Nvidia's 3D PC solution has been knocking around for a little while now, but their combination of comfortable wireless active shutter glasses (provided here with adjustable nose-bridge inserts and good for 60 hours of usage per USB charge) and flexible software makes it possibly the best example of 3D tech available right now, not least of all when it comes to 3D gaming. It requires a compatible Nvidia graphics card (GeForce 8800 GT or later; GeForce 9600 GT or later; all GeForce GTX 200 cards or GT300 Series, NVIDIA GTX400 Series or later if you're hooking up a HDMI 1.4a games console - we were using a GTX 560 Ti card), but is simple to set up, and more importantly, simple to tweak.

Using the Nvidia Control Panel software, you can adjust the intensity of the 3D effect, making it as eye-popping or subtle as you see fit. As the compatible Nvidia cards manipulate the way traditionally 2D games are displayed, a vast number of PC games can be played in 3D through the 3D Vision set-up with minimal fuss, even those that we're never intended to be played with an added dimension. It's engrossing and clear thanks to the quality of the panel, with minimal drops in brightness and hardly any noticeable flicker when the glasses are on. With HDMI 1.4a certification you'll also be able to play 3D games from a PS3, as well as 3D Blu-rays, each again offering equally, startlingly impressive 3D visuals.

Verdict:

While its build is a little rough around the edges (those touch buttons annoy in particular), the simplicity of having Nvidia's 3D Vision tech so seamlessly integrated into the display is a joy. Superb in both 2D and 3D, the ViewSonic V3D245 will be more than enough for even the most demanding of 3D gamers.

Now here's a monitor to get PC gamers really excited. ViewSonic's latest V3D245 monitor not only has all the top specs you'd expect from a gaming monitor, but manages to squeeze in built-in support for NVIDIA's 3D Vision tech.

Rather than having to shell out for NVIDIA's 3D PC gaming tech separately, the V3D245 comes complete with both a 3D Vision transmitter and compatible 3D glasses, as well as the panel itself of course being 3D compatible. All you'll need is a compatible NVIDIA GeForce graphics card to go with it in your PC.

It impresses in it's more day-to-day specifications too. A 24 inch monitor, it has a 120Hz refresh rate and lightning-quick 2ms video response time, running at a max 1920x1080 full HD resolution.

HDMI 1.4 inputs are supported, with a 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 300 nits high brightness.

"This is the ultimate monitor for any gamer or just anyone playing around with 3D technology. It's a neat solution with the built in NVidia transmitter, that uses LED technology to bring better contrast ratios and significant power savings, but can then revert back to a high performance 2D monitor when required." says James Coulson European marketing manager, ViewSonic.

"Working with NVidia is paramount to making 3D emersion a reality and this product is proof of that."

Available in Europe from mid-to-late September for an ESP of £350/€399, this one should be riding high on PC gamers Christmas wish-lists.

LG have today lifted the curtain on the LG DM50D monitor, a 3D screen that straddles the line between a PC display and a personal HDTV thanks to its DTV tuner, MPEG4, DVBC, DVBT support and HDMI inputs.

The 3D tech employed is passive, meaning no heavy, expensive, battery powered glasses are needed, and jsut a polarised pair as used in LG's Cinema 3D screens.

"Our consumer research showed that while interest in 3D monitors was high, there were certain misgivings about the cumbersome glasses, reported health concerns and lack of 3D content," said Si-hwan Park, vice president of the monitor division at LG's Home Entertainment Company.

"Through CINEMA 3D technology, the DM50D addresses all of these concerns, leaving users free to be completely immersed in the best quality 3D content and gaming on any monitor on the market today."

With "flicker free" certification and double the brightness of rival 3D monitors LG promise that the screeb should cut down on reports of "3D sickness", though you do have to wonder why anyone would opt for any sort of monitor that leads to any form of discomort.

Still, if 3D is a must for your computing needs, the LG DM50D hits UK stores in July.

Samsung's Series 9 TA950 3D LED monitor, one of the stars of this year's CES 2011 conference, is now up for sale.

An incredibly stylish monitor, the TA950 design is apparently inspired by origami, leading to a screen which looks like a thin sheet of folded paper. It wowed the crowds and won Samsung the coveted "Innovation Design and Engineering" award at the show.

It's not just merely a looker though, with plenty of class leading features that would be worthy of you attention were it not already a jaw-droppingly chic bit of kit.

LED backlit, the 27-inch monitor uses around 40% less energy than traditional LCD displays, balancing out brightness depending on ambient lighting in the room.

With Samsung's excellent Smart Hub built in (as seen in their Smart TV HDTV range), you'll be able to download apps onto the monitor itself, giving you access to the likes of iPlayer and LoveFilm even if not connected to a PC. You'll also get access to Samsung's free-of-charge 3D Video On Demand service through the Smart Hub - handy considering the monitor's 3D credentials.

Two 7-watt built-in speakers round off the impressive package, supporting Dolby Digital, SRS TheaterSound HD, DTS 2.0 and 3D Sound.

HANNspree's latest PC monitor, the LED-backlit HANNSG HL245, is now available to buy online.

With a 23.6 inch anti-glare display at a 16:9 ratio, the monitor is capable of Full HD playback at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080. A dynamic contrast ratio of 15000000:1 should deliver deep, cinematic blacks, making this monitor a decent screen for Blu-ray buffs.

A monitor this big with LED credentials normally would set you back a fair few pennies, but at £135.39 from ebuyer.com, the HANNSG HL245 is relatively affordable.

The main specs are as follows:

Display Size: 23.6" Widescreen
Brightness: 250cd/m2
Contrast Ratio (typ.): 1000:1
X-Contrast (dyn.) :15000000:1
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Response Time: 5ms (typ.)
Display Colours: 16.7M
Display Surface: Anti Glare
Viewing Angles: H/V 170º/160º
Inputs: VGA, Audio, DVI-D (HDCP)
Energy Star rating: 5.0
Dimensions (mm): 560 (w) x 405 (d) x 200 (h)
Tilt: -5º~15º

If there's one unifying factor between all current desktop displays, it's that they need some sort of wired power connection before the screen will fire up. That may not be the case for much longer however, as Fujitsu showed off the world's first truly wireless display at CeBIT 2011 this morning.

The 22 inch screen has neither video nor power cables connecting it to a PC. Instead it uses a wireless data and power transmission protocol known as Smart Universal Power Access (SUPA).

Working on a similar principle to a Powermat or HP Touchstone, the Fujitsu wireless monitor will use magneto-induction and inductive charging to transfer both power and data to the screen. A wireless USB connection between PC and monitor will sync the two together, with the screen powered by inductive charge mats built into your desk. It will allow the user in a limited capability to move the screen around an office (providing there are more compatible workstations available, and no further than 10 metres from the paired PC) without needing to untangle a mess of wiring first.

Though only in the prototype stages at the moment, Fujitsu are looking to have a commercially avaialble model ready for B2B sale by next year. And while talks are already in place concerning implementation in public transport services such as trains and planes, they expect it to be the best part of a decade before the technology is widespread in the home.

Hit the video above to take a look.

It was never all that realistic to ask us to get up from behind our computers anyway, so at least there's an app that realises this. F.Lux software will change the light on your computer depending on the time of day, imitating natural daylight patterns.

Computer screens have a slightly blue tint, and while this is fine during the day, it can cause problems for those of us who keep tapping away into the night. What happens is this disrupts our production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates the sleep cycle, as the light-sensitive pineal gland near the centre of the brain responds to blue light by suppressing melatonin. This keeps us from getting a good night's sleep, or can even cause insomnia.

Enter F.Lux - the free software which will automatically adjust the light as they day wears on. Free to download here, the app will ask you where you live so it can calculate sunrise and sunset; alternatively you can enter a different time zone, handy if you're trying to adjust ahead of a long-haul flight.

The app will also enquire about the light in your room, be it tungsten, halogen, fluorescent or daylight. Based on the information, it adjusts the colour temperature of your screen to mimic the lighting in the room. So there you have it - your computer can now adjust to what goes on outside your window so you don't have to.
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If you haven't got the cash (or the space) for both a high-end PC monitor and HD TV, Samsung may have an all-in-one solution to suite your needs in the shape of the SyncMaster FX2490HD.

Doubling up as both a PC monitor and 1080p high-def TV, the SyncMaster FX2490HD squeezes in a TV tuner alongside two HDMI inputs, D-Sub and a SCART socket.

At 24 inches it's a great size for a PC monitor and a decent-sized secondary TV, featuring a 5ms response time, 250 nits of brightness and a contrast ratio of 1,000:1. The set also includes a USB port for media playback, as well as support for 7.1 channel Dolby Digital and DTS audio.

Due for release in both the US and Europe later this month, it seems a tidy little deal at $540 (£339).

Via: Akihabara News

LG have announced the launch of a trio of new 3D hardware. From projectors to notebooks, it looks as though LG are setting their 3D sights well beyond merely 3D TVs in your living room.

First up is the LG R590 3D notebook. Featuring a 15.6 inch display and Intel Core i7 processor, it also packs in a NVIDIA GeForce GT335M graphics card, with 1GB of dedicated DDR3 video memory. It'll come with a pair of polarisng glasses thrown in for the 3D content (much like the ones used in cinemas) and will feature TriDef real-time 2D-to-3D video conversion software.

Next up is the W63D monitor, aimed squarely at gamers. Full HD, it has a 70,000:1 contrast ratio and 120 Hz refresh rate. It also features a "G-Mode" gaming option, which intelligently controls brightness to reduce eye-strain.

Last up is the CF3D projector. The worlds first polarized glasses 3D projector capable of transmitting full HD 3D images through a single lens, it can throw out images 200 inches in size with a 3D brightness rating of 1250 ANSI lumens (2500 in 2D) with a 7,000:1 contrast ratio. It generously ships with 6 pairs of polarised glasses too, meaning the whole family can get in on the 3D action.

The LG R590 3D notebook is launching first in Japan, with a global release in the next few weeks. The other two items should be rolling out in the near future.

Acer today launch their new range of S1 Series displays, claiming that the 13mm thick monitor in the line is the world's thinnest LCD.

Ranging from 13mm to 15 mm thick and coming in 18.5, 21 and 23 inch sizes, each screen is full HD, with a 12,000,000:1 contrast ratio (managed dependant on each frame with Acer's Adaptive Contrast feature) and a 5ms response time. Featuring green-friendly low power consumption, each monitor also squeezes in VGA and DVI ports with HDCP encryption, as well as a single HDMI port on the 21 and 23 inch displays.

"Designed from scratch to combine an eye-catching design with excellent video graphic performance, this series is a real jewel, including innovative display technologies to deliver crisp and clear images," says the press release.

"With clean lines, a polished black bezel and graceful glossy foot stand, the S1 series is the perfect blend of ultra slim, sophistication and style."

Starting at £119.99 for the 18.5 inch model, the top-of-the-line 23 incher will set you back £169.99.

Acer have announced the launch of brand new, ergonomically designed touchscreen monitor, the Acer 231H.

The 23 inch monitor comes with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 (1080p), with an impressive 2ms response time and 80,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio that adapts to what's taking place on screen. It's pretty much touchscreen-ready straight away; Acer say it takes "just a few steps" to get finger friendly with the new display once you've connected to your PC via HDMI or DVI cable.

With full multi-touch support, the monitor can be angled to your requirements, tilting between 5 and 60 degrees. Multi-touch controls include the ability to pinch-zoom into documents, and make quick notes with your fingers.

Available in shops now, pick the monitor up for £319.99.

ViewSonic have today announced the launch of the rather sexy VX2737wm monitor. Looking to appeal to gamers, designers and video editors, the 27 inch monitor is claimed to be the first of its size in the world to offer a 1ms response time.

Other features include multiple DVI and HDMI inputs, four USB ports, a 1080p resolution, a 100000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 300 nits brightness. There are also a pair of 2W speakers built-in, though I cant see that really swinging it, as I'd imagine most PC users already have seperate speakers set up.

ViewSonic's James Coulson said: "Until now users wanting a larger screen experience have had to compromise by buying a TV with data capability.  The VX2739wm is a data monitor first, and has been specifically designed to work optimally with computer based sources, delivering far higher response times and picture clarity than that currently offered by consumer TVs".

On sale from July the 1st, it's a bit on the pricey side at £240.

BenQ has added two new LED displays to its G Series line-up: a 16:10 shaped, 19 inch model (G920WL) and an 18.5inch, 16:9 shaped model, (the G922HDL).

BenQ claims the screens boast the lowest power consumption rating in their respective size categories, making them appeal to cost- and eco-conscious corporate users. The panels are 100% mercury-free, which is a significant ecological advantage over traditional displays. LED technology also enables the G-Series to use substantially less energy (approximately 60% less in G920WL and 43% in G922HDL) than traditional displays of the same screen size.

Both screens employ LED backlighting in order to enhance eye comfort while BenQ's patented Senseye3 Human Vision Technology claims to offer one-touch optimisation of image richness, clarity, and depth. Various preset modes are provided: Standard (office and Internet), Movie (DVD and TV), Game, Photo, sRGB (for 100% colour consistency across all sRGB devices), and Eco (for power-saving).

BenQ claims the 16:10 aspect ratio on the G920WL (1440x900 WXGA+ resolution) makes side-by-side viewing of office documents easy and comfortable while the 16:9 aspect ratio on the G922HDL (1366x768 WXGA resolution) is designed for HDTV and HD movies. Both models have D-Sub and DVI connections.

Available now the BenQ G920WL is priced at £99.00 whileThe BenQ G922HDL is £95.00.

Star billing at today's LG monitor launch went to the LGW86 series of LED backlit monitors. The high performance widescreen monitors will come in 22 and 24 inch versions, available for £249 and £299 respectively. They have a 2 millisecond response for the optimum gaming experience and 700:000:1 contrast ratio.

The monitors include smart controls, comprising functions such as auto brightness, which works out what the ambient lighting is in a room and adjusts the brightness control automatically. There's also a fun key that offers photo effects such as monochrome and sepia and EZ Zooming where you can home in on certain parts of the picture.

The monitors are available in October.

LG's visual department held a launch the UK today and paraded a pair of new LCD monitors, a new LCD 1080p LCD TV, an LCD projector and a new high-end LCD monitor.

Click on the gallery, which kicks off with the LG M62D LCD TV, to see the new products

LG, maker of many a quality display, has turned its attention to a range of "television monitors" called the M7WD series. These TV monitors are aimed at people that want to do multiple things with one display, including television, PC usage, high-def content and radio.

The M7WD range has a whopping contrast ratio of 20,000:1, and packs SCART, DVI and HDMI. It's also got stereo 3W speakers, though if you're serious about your home entertainment then you'll almost certainly want to replace these with external speakers. There's a 5ms response time, and 1920 x 1080 resolution, which is higher than most displays this size.

The displays are available in 19" and 22" sizes, cost about £200 and £160 respectively, and are in stores right now.

LG Electronics

It's 1.30 in the afternoon and already I'm getting dryballs. My contact lenses want to leap off my corneas, I feel like it's 3am in a smoky bar and I'm having to remind myself to blink as often as I can. LG reckons they've got an answer to this problem in the form of the LG WE5 eyestrain-minimizing monitor - the first of its kind the in the UK.

They come in a range of sizes between 18.5" to 27" (with all over 21" offering 1080p HD displays) and seem to have borrowed a version of the LG ambient light sensor technology we've seen in LG TVs.

The idea is that the screen auto-adjusts to ambient lighting to give you enough LCD backlighting to be able to see what you're doing without blinding you, but, just in case you don't get the idea, it'll actually remind you every once in a while that you probably ought to take a break from whatever it is you're doing. A tenner says that gets ignored and switched off in 95% of WE5s.

They all come in 16:9 size with a digital contrast ratio of 50,000:1 and are available from May.

LG